About Us

OEJI is a new, exciting, one-of-a-kind training centre custom-built for Cornwall, Akwesasne, and SD&G. Located in the Cornwall Innovation Centre, the Ontario Emerging Jobs Institute (OEJI) offers free, bootcamp-style training and work placements for jobs of the future

It’s free. There is no cost to clients of the OEJI. Grants and funding provide ongoing support for initiatives that align education and training with the future and immediate needs of the economy and employers in Cornwall, Akwesasne, and the SD&G area.

This institute was custom-built for the SD&G region to address the changing economic landscape. The goal is to train eager participants for the growing demands for skilled workers in areas identified as high-need.

There are no age restrictions on application. Any Ontario resident looking to future-proof their work skills is encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to Ontarians who show the most need for emerging job training, including the underemployed and unemployed.

The Ontario Emerging Jobs Institute is looking for highly motivated individuals who are eager to immerse themselves in learning.

To determine program eligibility, potential applicants will move through a screening process. OEJI intake focuses on those applicants whose jobs are at risk of being lost, those who need to up-skill to meet employer demands, students who are not sure how to determine their career path, and members of under-served populations.

The Cornwall Innovation Centre is an ecosystem designed to ignite new ventures and high-growth potential businesses in Cornwall, Akwesasne, and the Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

The CIC provides access to valuable resources and opportunities to help businesses succeed in all stages of growth. This includes mentorships, programs, events, learning opportunities, and funding opportunities. More information.

Cornwall, Ontario

Cornwall is the most Easterly city in the province of Ontario. It is less than an hour from Ottawa and Montreal, and five minutes from the border of New York State.

A waterfront community with many green spaces and ample amenities, the City of Cornwall has a strong heritage and vision for the future. On the upswing and experiencing a period of renewal with fresh faces, ideas and ventures, Cornwall is rising from its industrial roots and emerging as a hub of innovation.

The Team

Chatnie Herne

Project Manager

Chatnie is from the Cornwall area and possesses a business degree in management and marketing. She has experience working with start-ups through the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. She is very passionate about entrepreneurship and economic development and is very excited to help individuals expand their professional horizons through the Ontario Emerging Jobs Institute.

Thia Anthony

Administrative Assistant

Thia Anthony relocated from Edmonton Alberta where she worked as an Administrative Assistant, Events and Training at Alberta Medical Association. She graduated with a Business Administrative – Marketing Diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Thia is excited to join the Cornwall Innovation Centre team and is looking forward to growing with the organization.

David Juillet

Business Curriculum Instructor

David was raised in part in SD&G and has over 20 years of experience in business, information technology, and corporate training. He has worked in various industries ranging from banking and tax compliance to commercial aviation and workforce logistics. David holds an undergraduate certificate in business administration from the University of Ottawa and a postgraduate diploma in applied information technology from Information Technology Institute (Ottawa). He also teaches in the School of Computing at St. Lawrence College.

Sarah Barker

Agritech Instructor

Sarah studied Agricultural and Environmental Science at McGill University’s Macdonald Campus, majoring in Global Food Security and specializing in International Agriculture. Having worked with startups throughout her studies, Sarah is very excited to be connected to the tech-scene again by helping to develop the OEJI’s Agritech program curriculum.

Rodney Cryderman

Digital Skills Instructor

Rodney was born in SD&G, took residence in our nation’s capital for 15 years and then returned. Rodney has been involved in the Tech industry, on a professional basis, for nearly two decades with a eclectic background ranging from Programming to Network Administration to technical support, and has experience with both proprietary and open source models. Throughout his time in the industry one recurring theme has been his love of teaching.

Mario Ortiz

Digital Skills Mentor

Mario Ortiz felt the entrepreneurial spirit when he created a driveway sealing company in Ottawa. He currently studies for his BBA at St. Lawrence College. He is the current President of the Cornwall Student Union & Head Usher at Aultsville Theatre.

Navpreet Singh

Digital Skills Mentor

Coming Soon.

Erin Groves

Agritech Curriculum Developer

Erin is a local girl, as she grew up on her parents’ small hobby farm in South Stormont. A proud graduate of both Bishop’s University and SUNY Potsdam, Erin is now a secondary school teacher and a curriculum writer. She is passionate about spreading her love of learning and education to those around her and believes the best way to light that spark is through diverse and experiential learning opportunities.

Our partners

OEJI is made possible thanks to our local partners and funding received from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Cornwall and the Counties Community Futures Development Corporation.

The Ontario Emerging Jobs Institute (OEJI) is a unique training centre located in the Cornwall Innovation Centre, in Cornwall, Ontario.

The OEJI offers free training and work placements for individuals seeking employment and/or wanting to upgrade their skills. The institute services Cornwall, SD&G, Akwesasne, and the surrounding region